Just four days into the new season, and the referees are already under the microscope. from a penalty call that was given and then controversially revoked by VAR in the Milan-Bologna match, leading to Massimiliano Allegri‘s expulsion, to Igor Tudor‘s fiery protests after Verona-Juventus on Saturday regarding other questionable decisions by referee Rapuano, the early whistle on this championship has been anything but smooth. Now, the head of refereeing, Gianluca Rocchi, has weighed in. Speaking on DAZN’s “Open Var,” Rocchi didn’t shy away from admitting that Tudor was right about the penalty awarded to Verona and the missed red card for Orban, which the Juventus coach called “a disgrace.” However, Rocchi also urged for a more collaborative approach, asking coaches to avoid “ranting.”
“We never comment on coaches’ protests, whether they are right or wrong. In this specific case, Tudor is actually right,” Rocchi stated. “But for us, it’s essential to use correct, not excessive, terms. I repeat our request for collaboration in this sense, otherwise, it becomes a rant.”
Analyzing the VAR images and audio from the opening weekend (admitting,”We could have done better…”), Rocchi explained the errors made by referee Rapuano and video assistants Aureliano and Massa. Regarding the handball incident involving João Mário, Rocchi clarified, “It’s not correct to mention the previous incident from Atalanta-Udinese,” referring to the VAR room audio. He elaborated, “First, because it’s not right to make comparisons, and second, because the dynamic is completely different: the juventus player hit his head, and the ball slipped onto his arm in a natural position.” The most meaningful error, however, was not upgrading Orban’s yellow card for the handball on Gatti to a red. “It was a red card, and I emphasize that it was a decision that should have been made directly on the field,” Rocchi declared. “At VAR, they dismissed the episode too quickly.”
Rocchi confirmed that the refereeing duo of Aureliano and massa, who worked with Rapuano, will be “alternated.” He defended them by saying, “They are among the best, but everyone has an off day.” He then drew a parallel to how coaches defend their goalkeepers, even when they make mistakes, noting that tudor himself has experienced this recently. “The right logic is to re-propose them,” Rocchi added, “and I want to clarify that we don’t suspend anyone. Of course,I have a large team,and whoever is in better form goes on the field,while others go to Serie B. But I assure you that you will see them again soon.”
addressing the Napoli-Pisa match, Rocchi acknowledged a mistake in not awarding Pisa a penalty for a foul by De Bruyne. “The VAR and the referee saw a handball by the Pisa player, but they were deceived by the speed of the replay.At normal speed, it’s clear that it’s not punishable,” he explained, noting that it was rather called as a foul by the Napoli player.
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To further illuminate the complexities of these early-season refereeing controversies, let’s delve into a comparative analysis of the key incidents that have dominated discussions. The following table provides a concise overview,highlighting the errors,the VAR interventions,and the subsequent repercussions.
| match | Incident | Refereeing Error | VAR intervention | Outcome/Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milan vs.Bologna | Penalty Call (Revoked) | Incorrect Penalty Award | VAR Review Corrected the Decision | Led to Massimiliano Allegri’s expulsion. |
| Verona vs. Juventus | Penalty Call & Potential Red Card (Orban) | Incorrect Penalty Award; Missed Red Card | VAR Did Not Correct Penalty (Though Accepted as Wrong); Failed to Recommend Red Card | Rocchi admitted errors; Tudor’s protests highlighted. |
| Verona vs. Juventus | Handball (João Mário) | Controversial Call, Potentially Due to Misinterpretation of Dynamic | VAR Focused on the Speed of the Play. | Comparison to Other Incidents deemed inappropriate by Rocchi. |
| Napoli vs. Pisa | Potential Penalty (Pisa) | Incorrect non-Award of Penalty | VAR Review misinterpreted the handball as illegal. | de Bruyne’s actions under review; rocchi acknowledged the mistake based on the replay speed. |
This table underscores the specific instances where officiating missteps substantially influenced early outcomes. It highlights how even the implementation of VAR, a system designed to minimize error, has not fully eliminated controversy. Instead, it has shifted the point of contention, bringing the intricacies of video review and the interpretation of rules into the spotlight. This table not onyl gives specific examples,also offers a thorough view of refereeing decisions early in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are refereeing decisions receiving so much scrutiny at the start of the season?
A: Scrutiny is amplified at the beginning of the season as officials and teams adapt to new interpretations of rules, and VAR technology. Early matches are crucial for establishing trends, and therefore any officiating errors are amplified due to the high stakes and early positioning of teams.
Q: What role does VAR play in these controversies?
A: VAR’s mandate is to minimize errors. Though, its use can sometimes introduce new complexities due to the reliance on video replays and the subjective interpretation of incidents. While it has corrected some major errors, it has also led to debates regarding the judgment of referees and the criteria used in interventions.
Q: What is Gianluca Rocchi’s response to the criticism?
A: Gianluca Rocchi, the head of refereeing, has acknowledged certain errors. Rocchi encourages a collaborative approach from coaches, while defending his officials, he also emphasizes the importance of using appropriate terms and avoiding excessively critical commentary
Q: Will the referees involved in these early mistakes be penalized?
A: Rocchi has clarified that there are no suspensions.He has stated his emphasis on using the team’s strengths, emphasizing rotating match officials and placing those in better form. Referees are generally rotated, rather than being suspended.
Q: How does VAR analyze handball incidents?
A: VAR examines multiple angles and replays to determine if a handball is intentional or has altered the course of play. Factors considered include the proximity of the player to the ball, the position of the arm, and whether the arm is used in a natural or unnatural position. The focus is less on comparisons to previous situations and more on the dynamic of each play.
